US senators press Hegseth, Caine on Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, delayed Ukraine aid

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on May 7, where lawmakers pressed them on Iran’s military actions, delayed Ukraine aid, and risks to the Strait of Hormuz. Senators demanded clarity on a $400 million Ukraine weapons package approved in January but not yet fully allocated, with Sen. Chris Coons accusing the administration of sending mixed signals to Russia by delaying the funds. Hegseth confirmed the money had been released for European capacity-building but deferred to US European Command (EUCOM) on spending details. Coons criticized the delay, stating that inaction risked emboldening Russian President Vladimir Putin. The hearing also focused on Iran’s threats to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, with Sen. Susan Collins asking whether Pentagon planners anticipated Iranian efforts to close the waterway. Caine acknowledged Iran’s ongoing threats, citing small boats and other asymmetric tactics, despite US strikes on Iranian missile systems and naval assets in late February. The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliatory attacks on Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with a temporary closure of the Strait. A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect April 8 but failed to produce a lasting resolution, with Trump extending the truce indefinitely. Sen. Lindsey Graham confronted Caine over Iran’s missile capabilities, questioning why Tehran remained a nuclear threshold state despite US operations. Caine confirmed Iran had fired missiles at the US-UK base Diego Garcia under prearranged protocols but declined to comment on reports that Pakistan might be allowing Iranian reconnaissance aircraft to use Pakistani bases. Graham accused Pakistan of bias in mediation efforts, calling for a neutral alternative. The hearing highlighted tensions over US military strategy in the Middle East, with senators expressing frustration over Iran’s persistent threats and the perceived failure to degrade its defense capabilities. Caine emphasized the complexity of the situation, while Hegseth avoided direct criticism of Pakistan’s role in negotiations.